This will prove to be the All Blacks biggest test so far on their northern tour, with the Welsh feeling that they deserved a place in last years World Cup final.
Pre game comments from Wales' defence coach will surely have the All Blacks fired up, but with Steve Hansen revealing his A team for the first time on the northern tour, one would have to think that the All Blacks will again be too strong for this determined Welsh side.
What Wales Will Look To Do:
The Welsh will again look to their defence to try and stop a rampant All Blacks attack which, even though lacks a certain playmaker, will again prove to the be the difference between the two sides. A passionate Welsh side will however bring a lot of physicality up front and look to disrupt the All Blacks pill, as the Italians did last week. The All Blacks will therefore need to provide a lot more protection for Aaron Smith at the breakdown to ensure that he can continue to get quick ball away to Aaron Cruden and the All Black backline. Wales will rate their game up front. They always have, and this is where they believe they can out muscle the All Blacks. What the AB's need to be aware of is this; Wales believe they can win this game. They will go into it with the mindset that if they stick their guns and execute their game plan then they will be able to knock over the All Blacks in front of 80'000 passionate Welsh supporters. The All Blacks will therefore need to step up their game another level from their previous two encounters and execute their game plan with perfection.
5 Who Need Big Games:
Aaron Smith
Aaron Cruden
Andrew Hore
Liam Messam
Richie McCaw
Huge call it being there biggest test so far? They have lost five on the trot including a loss to Samoa in their last outing. And judging by the comments of coach Warren Gatland and Welsh great Gareth Thomas, the Welsh do not in fact believe they can win this at all. Hence the reason they will play the style of rugby that those in the northern hemisphere (bar perhaps France) continue to impose on the game; a negative form that does nothing except attempt to diffuse the All Black attack whilst offering little flair of their own.
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